Question 1

How many OSHA inspections has FRANKEL PLUMBING CONTRACTORS,INC. had?

Accepted Answer

FRANKEL PLUMBING CONTRACTORS,INC. has been inspected 1 times by OSHA between Apr 10, 1985 and Apr 10, 1985, with 0 violations and $0 in penalties on record.

Question 2

Why do some OSHA inspections result in zero penalties?

Accepted Answer

Not every OSHA inspection results in penalties. Inspections may find no violations, or the violations cited may be classified as Other-than-Serious with penalties reduced or waived. OSHA considers several factors when determining penalties, including employer size (small employers receive reductions), good faith efforts (having an effective safety program), and history (first-time offenders may receive lower penalties).

Question 3

What is an OSHA abatement date?

Accepted Answer

An abatement date is the deadline by which an employer must correct a cited hazard. OSHA sets abatement dates based on the nature and severity of the hazard and the feasibility of correction. Employers must certify in writing that they have corrected the violation by the abatement date. If more time is needed, employers can petition OSHA for a Petition for Modification of Abatement (PMA) before the deadline expires.

Question 4

What is a de minimis violation?

Accepted Answer

A de minimis violation is a technical violation of an OSHA standard that has no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health. De minimis violations are documented but do not result in citations or penalties. For example, a guardrail that is 41 inches high instead of the required 42 inches, but is otherwise adequate, might be classified as de minimis. These violations do not appear in OSHA's public enforcement data.

Question 5

Can employees refuse to work if conditions are unsafe?

Accepted Answer

Under limited circumstances, employees may refuse to perform work if they reasonably believe they face an imminent danger of death or serious injury. Before refusing, the employee should ask the employer to correct the hazard and, if possible, contact OSHA. The conditions for a protected work refusal are narrow: the danger must be imminent, the employee must have asked the employer to fix it, and there must not have been time to get the hazard corrected through normal channels.

Question 6

What happens during the opening conference of an OSHA inspection?

Accepted Answer

At the start of an inspection, the OSHA compliance officer holds an opening conference with the employer. During this conference, the inspector presents credentials, explains the reason for the inspection (complaint, programmed, referral, etc.), describes the scope of the inspection, and outlines employer and employee rights. The employer may designate a representative to accompany the inspector during the walkaround. Employee representatives also have the right to participate.

Question 7

How does OSHA select employers for programmed inspections?

Accepted Answer

OSHA uses objective data to select employers for programmed inspections. Selection criteria include industry injury and illness rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, participation in National or Local Emphasis Programs targeting specific hazards, and employer-specific data such as reported injury rates from OSHA Form 300A submissions. The selection process is designed to focus limited inspection resources on workplaces with the highest potential for serious injuries and illnesses.

FRANKEL PLUMBING CONTRACTORS,INC.